Power cuts can last minutes or days. A little preparation means you can keep the lights on, your phone charged and your household comfortable and safe. This guide covers what to do before, during and after an outage.
Before an outage
- Set up lighting: keep a headlamp and a rechargeable lantern where you can find them in the dark. Battery or LED lighting is safer than candles.
- Charge backup power: keep a power bank topped up so you can recharge phones. Higher capacity gives more charges.
- Get a non-mains radio such as an emergency weather radio to follow updates.
- Stock water and food that needs no cooking. See our emergency kit checklist.
- Know your utility's outage number and save it in your phone.
During an outage
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Food safety guidance says an unopened fridge keeps food cold for only about four hours, so plan meals accordingly.
- Save phone battery: use low power mode, dim the screen and limit calls to what you need.
- Stay warm: add layers, use blankets and gather in one room. An emergency blanket is a light backup.
- Check on neighbours, especially older people or anyone who relies on powered medical equipment.
Important safety rules
- Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camping stove or barbecue indoors, or in a garage, tent or enclosed space. They can produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly and has no smell.
- Don't use candles unattended and keep them away from anything flammable.
- Follow your utility's and local authorities' advice, and stay away from downed power lines.
After power returns
Throw away perishable food that has been warm for too long, restock your kit, and recharge everything. Note what worked and what you missed so you're better prepared next time.
For more preparedness gear, browse survival gear and emergency essentials.